The government and Lockheed Martin are scrambling to get back on schedule while fixing the overbudget project

The
Pentagon confirmed a one-year delay of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter
program, with Deputy Defense Secretary Bill Lynn facing increased
pressure to get spending under control on the project.

"The
development was originally projected to last an additional 30 months;
we think with the additional test aircraft it will be closer to a
delay of about 12 or 13 months, but I can't give you the cost
numbers," according to Lynn's statement to the media.

Pentagon
officials didn't say if this one-year delay will push back final
release dates, but it likely will, military experts have noted.

The
Marine Corps is expected to receive the first batch of F-35s in two
years, while the Air Force and Navy are expected to receive the
next-generation fighter aircraft in 2013 and 2014. Prior to
Lynn's recent announcement, Lockheed Martin officials noted they were
about six months behind schedule, but still expect to be able to meet
the USMC release date.